Sympatico Hardside Domestic Spinner Luggage, Plum, 22-Inch Carry-On

Let’s face it. It better be way above average to warrant this price right? You could buy several cheap models for one of these. But I’ve had this brand luggage for 30 years and more than 3 million actual air miles. I’m a fan. Mostly bc of their warranty, which I have used many times. Also the frame on the outside is a game changer for those who need to be a professional packer for work. Vaca only use? Maybe not necessary, so get something cheaper.

I’ve never had hard luggage before. I heard about this brand and was looking to upgrade my Victorinox luggage due to some issues. At first I thought, this is not going to fit everything but to my amazement, it not only fit everything but then some, and it was nice and organized. I didn’t feel like I was shoving stuff in! Having another side (front side of luggage) was like having another piece of luggage. I have a spine injury so it’s hard to move and get things from Point A to Point B, but this moved like it was gliding across the pavement and airport!!! I’m so happy with this luggage!!! To make it even better it came in this beautiful plum color.

So I finally decided to splurge on a Briggs and Riley (that warramty), after tossing money at cheap luggage for 30 years...I originally bought the Baseline soft sided with the matching duffle; LOVED the color (olive and tan) and the duffel was SO spacious. BUT, I returned both after packing the carryon suitcase for a 3 week trip to Italy. Why? Because it tips over once packed. Its all about the wheel positioning....if you open the Baseline and lay it flat to pack you see it has all 4 wheels on one side of the bag. So once you close the 2 sides, the weight from the section without wheels causes it to tip forward. Doesnt matter if you pack the heavy items on the bottom...I tried four times! So I returned and reluctantly bought this hard sided version (I wanted soft sided as I own a set of cheaper Italian hard side luggage) because as you see, 2 wheels are in one side of the bag and 2 on the other, offering a perfect balance once packed. Oddly the back wheels are larger than the front, sont know why but doesnt affect the way it rolls or stands up. The compression function is amazing! Ive been traveling 3 weeks now in Italy with this suitcase and a backpack (Im 5w yrs young) and it has help up spectacularly on cobble stone streets and firs as a carryon in all planes so far. Its easy to lift into the trains with handles conveniently placed. the extender handle goes pretty high so tall people will love it; you can adjust it lower as well (which I do since Im only 55). The color is beautiful and I dont see one scratch on it.

I travel a lot. Ive worn out a couple of Samsonite suitcases of similar size and value. So far, this suitcase is more durable, scratch resistant, and mobile. I am very happy with the locks, zippers, and storage compartments. The inside design is smart and functional. I am completely satisfied.

I travel extensively and have used Briggs and Riley luggage for years now. The quality and durability of their baseline series is unmatched and all of my pieces have held up to whatever the airlines and my travel throw at them. Ive never had a hardside piece before but its clear that B&R used the same features and quality from the baseline series in this line as well. Luggage is very lightweight for its size, wheels glide flawlessly, handle is firm and secure, double zipper locks insure security and the expansion feature guarantees you will be able to take home those extra things you bought while on vacation. Love this and will buy another!

B&Rs reputation precedes them and this is in part why I bought the bag. I also purchased another less expensive but very highly rated bag. It was a hardside like this one But it opened in the middle which I am not used to and dont like. The B&R opens like a conventional suitcase which I like alot. The collapsable expansion feature is very cool. The exterior of the bag is very plain and unassuming; the interior has a classy, well-made, tasteful look and feel which I really like. One peculiar problem that I ran across is that the only way to unlock the bag when the zipper tabs are inserted into the TSA lock mechanism is to Press Down on the Zipper right where the tabs connect to the zipper And move the unlock button on the TSA lock. There is no mention of this in the literature/manual and I called B&R and they are unaware of this. It may just be my bag/an anomaly (although I saw a post where a guy couldnt open the bag and Ill bet it was because of this; I had to figure it out on my own). As long as you unlock it before TSA gets a hold of it AND use it as a carryon bag everything will be okay although I printed a small PRESS DOWN label and used clear tape to put it on the plastic below the zipper where you need to press, just in case. It feels a little on the heavy side although probably only at most a lb. heavier than similar bags. Another thing is the zipper is not as smooth as another bag I have. Anyway this thing has a lifetime warranty and I am learning to love it (possibly related to reducing the cognitive dissonance that comes with spending this much money for a carryon).

Glad I made the investment!

My first reaction when taking my new carry-on out of the box was wow! It looks so sleek. My wows kept going; I couldnt help lifting the handle and walking across the room. The handle has so many choices for height (My other only has 2). There is also a side handle that makes picking it up to stow away easier. My biggest wow is how smooth it glides across the floor. The lack of sound coming from the wheels is a thrill. Its very light, too.

I am a very frequent traveler (although not in 2020, for obvious reasons).  I have been using the same Travel Pro Crew luggage for the last five years and I love this line.  It has held up perfectly and, quite honestly, does not need to be replaced.  However, Ive been very curious about the recent trend toward hard-sided luggage.  To me, hard-sided luggage always looks and feels very 1960s, but I wanted to see what all of the hype is all about. I ordered the Briggs & Riley Sympatico Hardside Spinners in both the 22 carry-on size and the 27 checked bag.

Have a B&R carry on for over 6 years & i love it. Got the check in version - waited a while for it to be available & it was worth the wait - exquisite & non showy. Plus lifetime warranty.